Epic Reads for Teens

Monthly Archives: March 2016

With Valentine finally defeated and a new peace established with the Downworlders, it seems that the Shadowhunters (namely Clary, Jace, and the gang) can finally start having a normal life. But Jace, though he should feel relief and happiness, is haunted by the events of the war and plagued by nightmares. His dreams isolate him from Clary and the other Shadowhunters, pushing him further into helplessness. Meanwhile, Clary and Jocelyn make shocking discoveries about demonic experiments, Simon juggles new romantic interests, and Alec grapples with Magnus’ immortality. Soon, each character’s struggle with interest in unexpected ways, and the Shadowhunters and Downworlders will face a greater threat than ever before.

So, this one was the slowest book so far (for me), but the ending is totally worth it. There’s also some really great parts with Simon’s romantic life, so get ready for that. If you love the series, definitely don’t skip this one! At least read the end — it’s important!

Though they share the same name, Kitty Tylney and her best friend, Catherine Howard, couldn’t be more different. Where Kitty is quiet and reserved, Cat is outspoken and vivacious. Where Kitty is content to live in the shadows, Cat longs for center-stage attention. Abandoned into the care of the Dowager Duchess, it seems Kitty’s dreams of peace and solitude are far more realistic. But Catherine Howard has other plans. Taken to Henry VIII’s court by her uncle, Catherine wins the king’s heart and becomes his new, ridiculously young queen. Cat soon brings Kitty and some other girls to serve in her chambers. But, while it seems Cat has achieved everything she’s ever wanted, the new court is a dangerous place. Soon, Kitty finds herself wrapped in drama, intrigue, and deadly secrets.

As I’ve said before, I’m completely biased when it comes to Tudor fiction, so I loved this book — duh. My bias aside, it’s still great. Catherine Howard is an interesting wife to me, as she was, by far, the youngest, and had arguably the most dramatic fall. Catherine was married to Henry when she was just a teenager, and he was old enough to be her grandfather. Gross. A teenager who goes from living in poverty to being queen of England is bound to make some poor decisions. Give this book a try if you’re interested in romantic dramas full of secrets and intrigue. It’s like Mean Girls – 16 century style.

In this mix of fairytale and myth, Feyre, sole provider of her once-wealthy family, finds herself at the mercy of an angry fairy after she kills one of his kind. Due the human-fairy treaty, Feyre can choose to either live in the fairy world forever, or be killed for her offense. She leaves for the fairy court with her new companion, Tamlin, never to see her family again. In the Spring Court, Feyre laments the change in her situation, despite the surprising kindness from her host. But, as with everything in Feyre’s life, all is not what it seems. Tamlin and his court harbor a dark secret — one that it will fall to Feyre to discover and solve, before she loses everything she loves.

As you know, I LOVED Throne of Glass, so I was super excited about Maas’ next series. It doesn’t disappoint. This new book is largely a Beauty and the Beast retelling, with some other multicultural myths thrown in. The world-building is amazing, the female characters (especially villains) strong and entertaining, and the drama will make you want the next book right now. Hold on through the beginning (it’s a bit slow), but the end is definitely worth it.